As far as wood goes on the Verite, it effects the sound the least amount of all ZMF's offerings. You should probably just go with what wood aesthetically looks best to you. You can tweak the sound much more with pad swapping and other gear in your chain.
FWIW I didn't care too much for the Verite and the 789. But it will certainly suffice until you get a tube amp.
Awesome thanks for the response. I think I remember reading your comment about the Verite + 789 pairing not being your favorite at some point in my research/browsing. As remarkable as the 789 is for what it is, I haven't been feeling in love with it with my current HP line-up either. I do prefer it to the ADI-2 amp portion because of the bigger stage and better dynamics, but all-around it's not very engaging.
Monster has heard silk and pheasantwood side by side so he should be able to comment better. But I believe it is pretty well established that the woods don't change the sound as much as the pads do. Changes in low end and decay are slight and true as you've described. If that's the sound you're looking for, choose the harder wood. Otherwise, make the aesthetic choice and enjoy! You'll end up with a Vérité either way.
Right on. Yea I don't think I'll be unhappy either way and I appreciate the affirmation!